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Juan Vargas: Peru fought till the last minute against Argentina

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

"We have self-respect. Until the referee blows the whistle signaling the end of the game I will keep running," said Juan Vargas, the Peru defender that provided the assist to tie Argentina in the final minute of the game.

Vargas, who recently signed a €12 million contract with Fiorentina, assured he and his teammates kept fighting until the last minute of the game, never letting their hopes fall, even when Argentina scored in the 83rd minute of the game.

"What was most important was the team's attitude. Playing against Argentina, a top league team, is heroic. It's a shame we tied, we deserved better luck, but it's over," said "El Loco" Vargas, assuring Peru's national team had to push ahead with the same mentality.

Even though Peru managed to tie the game in an unexpected play, local media and the players themselves feel the team deserved more.

While Peruvian media is known for bashing its players, headlines Thursday morning affirmed the team's effort deserved a win.

"I think we deserved more, I believe we played a great game and that several of these guys played really well and losing would have been unfair," said team captain Nolberto Solano.

Solano, who has accumulated two yellow cards, will not be able to play in Peru's next match against Bolivia, which is to be held on October 11.

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# rice and sugar says :
11 September, 2008 [ 12:19 ]

Well done, Johan Fano! Your spirit brings hope to us, even if we don't qualify to World Cup. At least we know, that little kids playing in the streets of Huanuco can become great soccer players.

Viva Huanuco!

# rossonero says :
11 September, 2008 [ 12:43 ]

     Honestly, Peru was better than arg espcially in 2nd half, and we deserved to win. They were lucky that their one shot on goal resulted in a goal. Hopefully, we can build on this and look forward to the next 10 games with hope of a possible 5th spot.
Man of the match - Vargas

# rice and sugar says :
11 September, 2008 [ 13:00 ]

Agreed: Vargas is brilliant and fierce. Definitely the man of the match.
Fano, as the best strker of 2007, found the pass from brilliant Vargas..Beautiful goal!

# El Peruano de Taos, NM says :
11 September, 2008 [ 13:30 ]

That was an amazing monet when Fano scored, even without la foca and guererro we were able to pull this off. We even should have won it with the argentinian goalie pulling off two fine saves.
But there's 30 points up for grabs left, so I think we definately have a chance to qualify. Especially if we build from this tie.
VIVA PERU!!
SI SE PUEDE!!!

# peloflex says :
11 September, 2008 [ 14:20 ]

I wish Chemo Del Solar will call Carlos Lobaton to replace Solano for the upcoming game against Boliva. I still don't know why Lobaton is not on the team already.